Leaders from the Navy, industry and academia urged the importance of innovation, Navy and Marine Corps integration, and awareness of Navy heritage to winning the future fight, on day two of the 32nd Annual Surface Navy Association Symposium in Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 15.

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics Vice Adm. Ricky L. Williamson spoke about the importance of continuing to fully integrate Navy and Marine Corps forces and the impact integration will have on readiness and the streamlining of the world’s largest naval force.

“Back through history, one thing I have learned to be true is a quote from Alexander the Great: Combining forces wins battles; logistics wins wars," Williamson said. "And that is what I keep constantly telling my people so we can keep our Sailors and Marines in the fight.”

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition James F. Geurts gave the second day’s keynote address. He highlighted the strategic advantages gained through increased readiness and eliminating atrophy now and in the future.

“It’s not just about being ready,” Geurts said. “If being ready comes at the expense of everything else, then we’ll have a ready force for tonight that won’t be ready for the next fight.”

Visit the Navy Live blog of the event for lives video coverage, news updates and more.